Automatic phonograph



Ma'y 21, 1935. R1. WILCOX 2,002,236

.AUTOMATIQ PHoNoGRAPH Filed D ec.k 11, 1931 11 Sheng-sheet .1

f il

May 2l, 1935.

R. l. WILCOX AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Deo. ll, 1931.

11 Sheets-Smet 2 May 21, 1935- R. l. wlLcox 2,002,236

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed Dec. 11, 1931 11 sheets-sheet s udde/f .7%

May 2l, 1935. R. l. wlLcox 2,002,236

AUTOMATIC`PHONOGRAPH l Filed Dec. 11, 1931 11 sheets-sheet 4 ,je/2W Wwf/fj MM MaI/'21,1935 RfLwlLCox V- f 2,002,236

AUTOMATIC PHoNGRAPH y l Filed'necj 11, ,1951 11 sheets-Smeets da; I

Munn.

May 21, 1935. R. l. wlLcoxi. 2,002,235

- 'AUTOMATIC PHoNoGRAPH Filed Dec. 11, 1951 i 11 sheets-sheetl l WfW/@ May 21, 1935. R. l. wlLcox u AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH v A 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Dec. ll, 1931 l 16:1/ mil *WM @my vMay 2l 1935" R. l. wlLcox` 1 2,002,236

' AUTOMATIC PHoroGRAPH f Filed Dec. 11, 1931 11 Sheets-sheet 1o May 21, 1935'1 R. l. wlLcox 2,002,236

AUTOMATIC PHONQGRAPH vFiled Dec. 1i, 1931 11 sheets-sheet 11v 8 il 1&9" T 5 67 l* A v j l Il l L Patented May 241, 1935 PATENT vol-lFl-cla 2,002,236 AUToMATIc rHoNoGRAPH Russell I. Wilcox,-Bellwood, lll., assignor, by

mesne assignments,

to Rudolph Wurlitzer Manufacturingy Company, North Tonawanda, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 11, 1931, Serial No. 580,315

53 Claims.

This invention relates to phonographs and has particular reference to an automatically operated phonograph.

More particularly this invention'relates to an automatic phonograph, which may be coin-controlled, for playing a plurality of records in which one or more records may be automaticallyv played in the order desired without any attention other than initially setting the selective mechanism.

The present machine in operation takes the vfirst record selected, swings it to a position where it is picked up by the turntable, plays the record, removes the record from the turntable and returns it to inoperative position, and then continues with the next record selected and -so on.` If the selective mechanism is not operated, the records are played in rotation;

With the present invention, once the records desired have been selected by the means provided therefor and the-machine started, it will play all the records selected without anything further being done, or, if the machine is started without selecting any particular records, they will be' automatically played in rotation.

An object of this invention is to provide an automatic phonograph having prOvision for holding a plurality of records, and which, when the selective mechanism is set, will play the records vselected in the order chosen without any further setting of the machine being necessary;

Another object of this invention is to provide a selective mechanism by which a plurality of records may b'e played in the order desired by setting the mechanism only once.

A further object is to provide an automatic phonograph which, when the selective mechanism has been set, swings therecord selected in a position to be picked up by the turntable, and after the record has been played returns it to selected to a position where it will be picked u'p by the turntable,y and so on.

Still another object is to provide an 'automatic phonograph wherein, when the record has been swung but, the turntable will be automatically raised to pick up the record. and raise it to a point where`y it engages the needle in the tone arm, and after the record is played to lower the turntable to normal inoperative position. 'I

A further object is to provide an automatic phonograph wherein, after a record has been played, the tone arm will be. automatically re. turned to its initial playing position.

Another object is to provide /an automatic phonograph, with the accomplishment of the inoperative position and swings the next record l foregoing objects, in which a cam shaft, having cams thereon, controls the operation of the whole machine.

A further object is toprovide an automatic playing machine which will play the number of 5 records desired without stopping.

And still another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the above designated type which is operated by a single motor.

A still further object isto provide an automatic 10 phonograph, of the type above referred to, which may be coin-controlled.

Still another object of this invention is to provide means for preventing the warping of the records therein. ,l

Further objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which latter:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of an automatic 20 phonograph embodying -the present invention;

`\ Fig. 2 is a side elevational view;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view; Q

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view of the machine;

Fig. 5 is a rear elevational view of the machine with a portion omitted to illustrate the cams which are shown in changed position;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;\

Fig. 7 is a. View of the cams for operating the selective mechanism and raising the turntable into initial position;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. I showing the changed position when the cam shaft has made aV partial turn;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 showing the arrangement When the cam shaft has rotated still farther; i l

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the 40 operation of the selective mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view o'f the mechanism \for causing the. engagement of the cam shaft clutch when a record has been played; x

Fig. 12 is a' cross sectional view taken on the line I Z-l 2 of Fig. l, showing the arm for holding `the clutch disengaged;

' Fig. 13 is a view similar toFig; 12 showing mechanism in changed position;

Fig; 14 is a cross sectional view of the mechanism taken on the line II-Il of-Fig. 3;

Figure 15 is a horizontal section taken substantially in the plane of line I 5-I 5, Figure 4.

Figure 16 is a cross section of one of the record 55 l clutch f carriers showing the record and supporting disk for preventing the record from warping.

Figure 1'1 is a fragmentary perspective view `of the tone arm and its associated elements.

matic, of a coin-controlled starting mechanism of the apparatus.

Figure 19 isa top plan view showing the mechanism for moving the sound pick-up to play records of different sizes.

Figure is a side elevation of the'mechanism shown in Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a side elevation view of the remote control selector mechanism.

Figure 22 is a cross sectional view taken on line 22-22, Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a cross sectional view taken on line 23-23 of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a plan view of the mechanism for returning the selector rods to an inoperative position by remote control.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the present invention comprises a frame i, preferably of metal, which may be mounted in a cabinet and which supports the rest of the structure. Mounted on the frame l is a motor 2 which rotates the motor shaft .3 and having worm gears l and 5 thereon. if desired, universal connections 5 and 1 may be inserted in the motor shaft 3. The worm gear l, through a series of gears and means hereinafter to be described, rotates the turntable 8 while the gear 5 meshes with a pinion 9 loosely mounted on the cam shaft l0. Clutch mechanismll connects the pinion 9 with the camshaft Ill.

` Fixedly mounted on the cam shaft lil are cams I2, i3 and Il to control the operation of the machine as will be hereinafter described. The

, cam shaft IB is suitably mounted in'bearings l5 and i6 on the frame l. When the machine has been started, the motor 2, drive shaft 3 and pinion S rotate continuously while the cam shaft ill makes one revolution to complete the cycle of e playing one record and returning the machine to initial position ready to play the next record. During one revolution of the cam shaftlil, the cams control the sequential operation of the machine in the following order:

rThe cam l2 operates the selective mechanism to rotate the selector shaft |'I on the outer end of. which is fixedly mounted a cam i8 which controls the selection of the records. The cam i3 then causes the record selected to be swung to a position directly above the turntable, e'. Cam 'Il raises the turntable to pick up the record selected and raises it upwardly until it engages the needle in the sound pick-up I9 so that the record may be played. When the turntable has reached itsmaximum height, the clutch il is disengaged from the pinion 9 and the cam shaft i0 remains 4stationary until the record hasv been played; thereafter the clutch l'i automatically engages the pinion 9 and starts the cam shaft l0 again rotating` As the cam I4 is plvoted far ther, the turntable is lowered depositing the 'tive position and the machine record in thelrecord holder.l The cam I3 permits the record holder to be swung back into inoperais then ready to repeat the cycle.

` bodying the present invention is shown particularly in Figs. 1, 3 and 7 to 10. The selectoryshaft H- is rbtatamy mounted in the ysides of the frame l. A ratchet 20 is fixedly mounted on the selector shaft adjacent a Wheel 2|. On the face of the wheel 2|, adjacent the ratchet 2|), is Figure 18- is a side elevation,'partly diagram` a pawl 22 held in engagement with the ratchet 20 by a spring 23 which is also connected to the wheel 2|, thus when the ratchet 20 is rotated in the direction of the arrows in Figs. '7 and 8, thev wheel 2| and thereby the selector shaft Il is rotated while when the ratchet 2|! is rotated in the opposite direction the pawl slides on the teeth thereof and the selector shaft is held stationary.

In order to prevent movement of the selector shaft l1 in a. direction opposite to that as shown by the arrows, a drag 24 is mounted. on one end of the selector shaft. i

In order to rotate the ratchet 2B and thereby the selector shaft l1, the following means is provided:

A stud shaft 25 is preferably fixedly mounted in one side 'of the frame i Loosely mounted on the stud shaft 25 is a segment 26 having yteeth on the outer end thereof which mesh with the teeth on the ratchet 20. pivoted on the stud shaft 25, the ratchet 'it and thereby the selector shaft il is rotated. Also loosely mounted on the stud shaft 25,- on each side of the segment 26, is a hook-shaped frame 2'! having the long side 2t thereof provided with a roller 29 adjacent the outer end. A yoke 30 extends upwardly from the frame 2l and is rigidly connected thereto adjacent the shaft 25, as shown particularly in Figs. 7 to 10. Resilient members, such as springs 3|, are connected at one end to the cross portion of the yoke 30 and at the other end to the segment adjacent the lower outer end thereof. f

The cam l2 is sopositioned on the cam shaft l0 that as it rotates it will engage the roller 29 on the side 28 of the frame 2l thereby causing the yoke 30 to be pivoted about the shaft 25 which, in turn, due to the springs 3| pivot the segment upwardly therewith. .A rotation of the selector shaft l1 rotates the heart-shaped cam i8, the position of which determines the record to be played next: The ratchet 20 is so arranged that when the segment 26 is pivoted its full distance it will cause the ratchet 2U to make slightly less than one complete rotation so that every time the segment is raised upwardly its full distance, by the means 'hereinbefore described, the heartshaped cam i8 makes a little less than one complete revolution and will cause the records to be played in rotation.

In order to control the amount of rotation of the selectorshaft l'l so that certain records may be selected, means are provided for stopping the rotation of the shaft at 'the proper point. Rods 32 which correspond tothe number of records held in the machine are provided on the front of the machine and extend through the face plate 33 and through the front side of the frame l, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These rods are longitudinally movable so that they may be shoved inwardly. Loosely mounted on the selector shaft |1, adjacent the inner ends of the .rods 32, is a pref- Thus when the segment 26 is erably U-shaped member 34 with the shaft I1 extending therethrough adjacent the transverse member thereof. 'An opening is provided in the outer side of the member 34 through which extends a pin 35 which projects outwardly from ay 31 extends through the outer endsof the U-shaped member 34 and is provided with a collar 33l having a pin 39a extending through an aperture in ythe outer, side of the U-shaped member 34. A spring 39 is positlonedabout the selector shaft I1 between the inner side of the plate 36 and the inner side of the U-shaped member 34, and a second spring is positioned about the stop 31 between the inner side of the U-shaped member 34 andthe collar 38. The spring 33 tends to hold the U-shaped member 34 in this inward position on the selector shaft I1 and the spring 40 tends to hold the stop member 31 extended outwardlyv through the outer side of the U-shaped member 34. 'I'he stop member is so positioned that the outer end thereof is slightly inwardly of the inner ends of the rods 32"when they are in normal position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. When, however, one or more of the rods 32 are pushed inwardly; the outer end of the stop 31 engages the inner end of the rods 32 pushed inwardly and prevents further rotation of the selector shaft I1.

As the rotation of the shaft I1 with the heartshaped cam I8 thereon serves to select the records to be played, a selection for a plurality of records may be made at one time by shoving a plurality of the rods 32 through to their inner position. If, for instance, the rods corresponding to records I, 3 and 5 are shoved in, the selector shaft I1 will be rotated by the means hereinbefore described until the stop member 31 engages the first of the rods 32 in its path. A further i movement of the selector shaft is thereupon "pre- "vented and the record corresponding to the rod 32 which is engaged by the stop 31 is then played. In order to `return the rod engaged by the stop 31 to normal position, a resilient arm 4I is loosely mounted on the camshaft I0 and is provided with a bifurcated outer end, which flts about the selector shaft I1 and holds the arm 4I in a 'fixed position. The outer surface of the arm 4I engages the inner face of the U-shaped member 34. A projecting'member 42 extends inwardly from the arm 4I.

Fixedly mounted on the cam shaft I0 is a col- `lar 43 having a rod 44 extending outwardly therefrom with a roller or annular member 45 `preferably made of metal, adjacent .the outer end thereof andspaced from the cam shaft a distance equal to that of the projecting member 42, so that when the cam shaft I0 rotates, the roller 45 engages the projecting Vmember 42 to move 4the' -free end thereof outwardly which, in turn,

slides the U-shaped member 34 along the`shaft I1v and pushes therod engaged by the stop 31 outwardly to normal position. .Thereafter when the selector shaft I1 is further rotated, the stop member 31 engages the next of the rods 32 which has been pushed in and causes the record corresponding thereto to be played after which the process is repeated.

If the rod 32 which is engaged by the stop 31 is held against movement when the arm 4| isy y moved outwardly, the AU-shaped member 34 will be moved outwardly but the stop member 31 will be held stationary against the action of the spring 40 and there will be no possibility of any damage being done to the apparatus. This will cause the record to be repeated.

y Referring now particularly to Fig. 10, there is shown the position of the segment 26 with respect to the yoke 30 and the frame 21 when .the stop member 31 engages one of the pins 32 to prevent further rotation of the selector shaft I1. The frame 21 and the yoke 30 move upwardly to the same position, as shown in Fig. 8, when none of the rods are pushed in but the segment is stopped after moving only part wayup, against the action of the springs'3 I, due to the fact that the selector ,shaft I1 can rotate nofurther. Thereafter the frame 21 .and yoke 30 are returned to normal inoperative position, due to the action of the resilient means, such as the spring 46 which is attached at one end to the frame I and at the other i Record holder The records to be used in the device are placed in the record carriers 41 which comprise an an- Vnular ring 48 having a flange 49 extending inwardly therefrom to form a shelf. Extending from one side of each of the record carriers. 41 (see Fig'. 15) is an arm 50 having an opening 5I therein and which extends through the horizontal slots 53 in the cylindrical casing 52. The slots 53 are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the cylindrical casing 52, one pair of slots being provided for each of the record carriers 41. The casing 52 is xedly mounted on the top of the frame I. A shaft 54 extends down through the'center of the cylindrical casing and through the apertures 5I in the arms 50, and `is rotatably mounted in the frame I, being supported by the collars 55 and 56 attached to the shaft 54 adjacent the top and bottom, respectively, of the cylindrical casing 52.

' Asshown in Fig. 16, a thin plate 8a of metal, plastics or other suitable material, having .a central opening may beplaced on the record carrier 41 under the record so as to prevent warping of the record.

A U-shaped member 51 is slidably mounted on the shaft 54 which extends through the sides thereof. A link member 58, having a forked end,

f is fastened to the U-shaped member 51 and is 63 and 64 with perforations therein, is slidably mounted on the shaft 544 with the shaft extending through the perforations in the arms. The

arm 64 rests on the upper side of the U,shaped member 51 so that as'the U-shaped member 51 is raised and lowered the arm 62 will be carried up and down therewith. lA longitudinal slot 55 is provided aacent the lower end of the arm -62 and `a projecting member, such as a screw 65 is threaded into the arm 62, as shown particularly in Figs. 2, 5 and 15, and extends a distance therebeyond being held in position by a nut 61. The inner end of the screw 66 is adapted to engage the outer ends of the arms 5l) which ex.-

tend beyond the cylindrical casing 52 and are provided with a cut-out portion for engagement with the inner end of the screw 66. This is shown particularly in-Figs. 2 and l5.

The vertical movement of the arm 62 en the shaft 54 determines the record to be played by bringing the4 screw 66 adjacentthe outer end of the record carrier 41 which holds the record selected. The vertical movement of the arm 62 'is controlled by the rotation of the cam` I8 which,

`I8 divisions, and the segment 26 'is so formed that with each full movement thereof the selector .shaft Il will make 17/18ths of a complete rotation so Athat if none of the rods 32 are pushed in the records will be played in rotation. Thus for each full movement of the segment 26, the arm 62 will be moved to carry the pin 66 from its initial position to its extreme upper position, then back to its extremely lower position and then back upwardly again to a position just beneath its initial position. However, when the selector mechanism 'is used, by pushing in the rods 32 the cam Iii will make less 'than 1'l/18ths of its regular rotation depending upon the lrods pushed in and will thereby control the position of the pin 66 to play the record selected.

In order to offset the pressure exerted against cam I8 by the lever 59, and to balance cam i8 at each point in its rotation, an arm 59a having a roller 60a at one end's pivotally mounted onthe frame I. -A spring Sla connected to arm 58a, intermediate its ends and to the outer end of the lever 59, urges thev roller against the lower side of cam I 8 to exert a pressure thereagainst.

Means for operating record carriers K After thepin 66 has beenv properly positioned `to play the record selected, the next step is to swing the record carrier, with the record therein, out over the turntable so that it may be picked up and deposited thereon. To accomplish this, a .I- sliaped lever 69, shown particularly in Figs. 2, 3, e and 5, is pivotally mounted adjacent its lower end on the stud shaft 70. Attached to the upper end of the lever 68 is a universal connectionwhich is shown in the form of a yoke li. This yoke is provided with a vertical slot I2 in which the upper end of the lever 681s pivoted, being held therein by a pin or screw `I3 or any other desirable means. 'lhe other end of the yoke 'II is pro-I vided with a horizontal slot 'I4 in which one end of a link l5 may be pivotally held by a screw or pin 16. The link l5 is made in two pieces with slots il adjacent the inner ends through which a screw lil extends so that the length of the link "i5 may be adjusted.` The other end of the link i5 is pivotally connected to lthe arm -'I8 which extends through the slot and through the shaft 5d in which latter it is held xedly by a set-screw "'IQ. Thus when the upper end of theA lever 69 is pivoted back and forth the arm 62 is pivoted about the shaft 54 and the screw 66 being in engagement with the outer end of the arm 5b of the record car-,.

rier il causes the record carrier to be pivoted about the shaft 54 to the dotted position shown in Fig. 1, which is directly above the turntable 8. As the link I5 is adjustable, vthe movement -of the record carrier may be controlled to bringithe opening in the center of the record directly above the spindle inthe turntable 8.

The short side 80 of the J-shaped lever 68 is f provided with a roller 8| adjacent the outer end spring a. which is between the end of the side 88 and the frame I. As the cam shaft rotates. the cam I8 pivotslever 68 to swing the record carrier out and holds the same in this position until the record has been played. After the turn table is then lowered to deposit the record played 82 which extend between the arm 58 of the record ycarrier 41 and the outer side of the frame 88 Means for operating turntable Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7 to l0, the turntable 8 is mounted on a shaft 85 which extends down through the top of the frame I, being sli'dable therein. It is supported by al cup bearing member 86, the lower end of the shaft resting on the bail bearing 81 which is positioned in the bottom of the bearing member 86 so that the' shaft may be freely rotated in the bearing. A slotted. collar 88a, shown in Figure 6, attached to the bearing member 88 engages the reduced portion a of the shaft 85 to hold the lower end of the shaft in the bearing member. Extending downwardly from the upper side of the frame I is a supporting member 88. Loosely mounted on the shaft 85 isa pinion 88 which is held adjacent the lower surface oi a supporting member 88. The pinion 89 meshes with the worm gear 4 on the motor shaft'8 and is therefore constantly rotating when the machine is in operation. Directly below the pinion 89 is a second pinion 86 also loosely mounted on this shaft and having a collar portion 8| attached thereto and spaced upwardly therefrom.

in order to maintain the gears 89 and 88 properly positioned, `a yoke member 92,'connected to the supporting member 88, fits about the reduced portion of the gear 98 between the gear proper and the collar member 8| Thus the gears are properly pesitioned andare freely rotatabe with respect to the shaft 85 and the yolre 82.

'I'he gear 89, as shown particularly in Figs. 2 and 3, meshes with a worm gear 88 on the governor shaft 84 having a governor 85 lthereon of usual construction. y

Pivotally attached to the bearing member 86,' by means of screws 98, is a yoke si having a pivot member, such as a pin 88 connecting the sides thereof adjacent the lower portion of the yoke. A bell crank lever 89, mounted on the shaft |80, is provided with an opening in one end through which the pin 9 8 extends to form a pivotal connection with the yoke 81. The other end of the lever 99 is provided with a'roller |8I for engagement with the cam I4. As the cam I4 rotates with the'cam shaft I 8, the bell crank lever @9 is pivoted to raise the shaft 85 up through the frame I. Fixedly mounted on the shaft 85, above the bearing member 86. is a wheel |82 having a' pin |08 extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with a pin |84 o`n the lower side of the gear 88. N A spiral spring |85 is preferably aooaaae positioned about the-shaft es above the wheel |02, thus when the shaft 85 is raised, the wheel |02 is vraisedwith it until the pin |03 engages the adjustable pin' |04, which, in turn, rotates the turntable 8. The spring |05 holds the wheel |02 spaced a little from the gear 90 and also absorbs the shock of the two coming together when the shaft 05 is raised. The action of the spring( |05 against the lower surface of the gearl 90 urges the gear 90 closely against the' lower surface of the gear 99 which may -be provided with a felt washer |06 or any other suitable means to form a friction drive. As the turntable is raised, it passes up through the record carrier 41, which has been swung out into proper position', and picks up the record thereon raising it to a position to strike the needle |01 in the sound pick-up |9 which is preferably of an electrical i pick-11p type.

The tone arm |08 is secured to the rotatable shaft-|09. Secured to the lower side of the tone arm is a strip of resilient'material IIO with one end abutting the shaft |09 to give the tone arm desired resiliency. To form a resilient support for the tone arm, the other end is bent downwardly away from the tone arm and engages in a latch II to hold the tone arm in inoperative po.

sition ready to start playing a record. An adjusting screw ilia, shownin Figure 17, is provided in the resilient strip ||0 for abutment against shaft |09. n

When the record is raised by the turntable so as to pick up the needle |01, it disengages the strip ||0 from thewlatch III and thereafter the tone arm is swung inwardly toward the center ofthe record while the'same is being played.

Means for operating clutch mechanism cam shaft I0 from the pinion 9 at this point. As

soonas the record is played, the clutch again connects the cam shaft I0 with the pinion 9 to return the parts to initial position ready to start` again.

To accomplish this, an arm ||2 is mounted on the shaft |09 and has a" pawl IIS pivotally mounted'on the end thereof. This is shown in Fig. 11'.- Pivotally mounted on a shaft I|4 is a ratchet member IIS, the outer end cf which extends upwardly to engage the end of the arm I I2.

IThe inner end of the ratchet I|5 is offset asv shown at IIS. Anarm I |1 extends downwardly from the ratchet I I5 and engages the rod I|8 extending upwardly from the shaft |I9. rotatably mounted in the frame on which shaft is an arm |20 which 'acts to engage and disengage the clutch II. As the record is played, the arm I I2 is kpivoted about the shaft |09unti1 at the 'end' of the racord'it strikes the outer end of the ratchet I|5 thereby pivotingthe same and causing the shaft I|9 to be rotated to permit the clutch to again connect thecam shaft I0 and the pinion 9. This onlyl will operate when the records are proevided with a spiral groove at the inner side. However, if the record groove ends in an` eccentric ber |30Y having a spiral cam surface ISI.

oval, the ami |I2 will not swing far enough to strike the outer end of the ratchet III to pivot*- the same, therefore, teeth |20 are provided` gdjacent the outer end of the ratchet ||0 so that as the shaft |09 swings, due to the eccentric groove in the record, `the pawl III will slowly work along the teeth`|20 until the ratchet ||5 is pivoted. To returnthe tone arm to normal inoperative' position, an arm |2I (Figs. 4 and 5) is connected-to a lever |22 whichispivoted to the frame I at |20. 'Ihe lever |22 is provided with a roller |20 which, e

'as the cam I0 again rotates, is engaged by the cam rpawl |I3'may engage-the teeth |20.

Clutch mechanism As the cam shaft I0 only makes one revolution during the complete cycle of the machine, it is necessary that it be disengaged from the pinion 0 during a portion of the time. For this purpose, the clutch mechanism I is provided. This is shown particularly-in Figs. 11 and 14.

Keyed to the cam shaft |0 is a sleeve |25 so as to be slidable therelong. A collar I 26, having pins |21 for engagement with the openings |20 in the pinion 9, is provided at one end of the sleeve |25. At the opposite end of the sleeve is an eccentric collar |29 which is shown in Figs. 12 and 13. Positioned about the sleeve |25 is a cam mem- The outer end of the arm |206, mounted on the shaft I I9, engages the cam surface |31 asfthe cam shaft rotates and thereby urges the sleeve |25 away from the pinion 9 against the (action of the spring |32 which is positioned between the collar |29 and the cam I4, and thereby removes the pins |21 from the apertures |28 in the pinion 9.

When the ratchet. ||5 has been pivoted on the shaft I I l, due to the action of the pawl IIJ, the shaft I I9 is rotated to raise the outer end ofthe arm |20a from engagement with the cam surface |3I, which then permits .the spring I 22 to slide the sleeve |25 along the cam shaft until the pins |21 engage the openings |28. In order that the arm I 20a may be held in upper position, separated from the cam |90, with the ratchet ||5 pivoted downwardly on-the shaft I Il until the arm I I2 vis swung back to initial position, a pin |33 is provided adjacent the outer end'of the arm |200, which pin rides on the periphery of the eccentric collar |29 during part of the rotation thereof.

As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, due to the shape vof the collar |29, the ami ma is held in 'thisV Operation of the machine In operating the machine, if it is not desired to play the records in rotation but toselect the records to play-in a deflnite order, certain of the rods 32 may be pushed inwardly. The machine is -then started by the operation of an electrical switch which maybe coin-controlled, as will' hereinafter be described, lwhereupornthe motor isf started and runs until the machinei's shut olf;

Through the motor shaft 3 and the pinion...

I -the cam shaft I 3, then begins to rotate as the clutch I I is engaged in initial position of th machine. As-the cam shaft begins to rotate, the cams I 2 and |4 are in the position shown in Fig. 'I with the roller 29 adjacent the inner end of the l cam I2. As the cam shaft lli rotates, the roller 29 is moved outwardly by the cam I2 thereby pivoting the frame 2'| and the yoke 30 to move the 4 segment 26 to its upper position which is shown 1.0

i 62 with the screw 66 therein to a position to select the first record. Fig. 8 showsl the segment in its upper position which it will only attain when none of the rods 32 are pushed inwardly. If one of the rods 32 is pushed inwardly, the stop 31 on the yoke member 34 engages the first rod in its path and prevents further rotation of the selector shaft I'l and thereby movement of the segment 26, but does not prevent the frame 21 and yoke 30 from moving a full distance against the action of the spring 3| as shown in Fig. l0 and the dotted line position of Fig. 5.

As-soonas the screw 66 has been raised to proper height, the cam I3 engages the roller 8| on the lever 69 and pivots the lever to swing the -record carrier 41 outwardly over the turntable 8.

Next the cam I4.' engages the roller IUI on the bellcrank lever 99 to pivot the same and raise the turntable 8 to its upper position. The position of cams i2, I3 and I4 at this point is shown in Fig. 5. The turntable picks up the record as it passes up to the record carrier 41 and raises the sound pick-up with the needle therein from the latch I||., As soon as the record starts to play, the clutch II is disengaged from the pinion 9 by the pressure of the outer end of the arm. |2Ba against the cam surface |3|. When the record has been played, the ratchet ||5 is tilted thereby 'the springs 32 to return the record carrier El with the record to normal inoperative position. As the cam I3 rotates further, it strikes the roller |23 (Fig. 4) pivoting the arm |3I upwardly to return the arm ||2 and thereby the tone arm |38 to a position where it will again engage the latch II S.

The machine is now in initial position ready to begin the next cycle.

Starting 'mechanism One form of starting mechanism which has been found very satisfactory is shown in Fig. 18, as well as the wiring diagram therefor. This starting device comprises an escapement mechanism consisting of a ratchet wheelv |34, havingy cured adjacent the free ends of the arms |38 and |39. A spring |45 normally tends to hold the arms |38'and |39 together in outer position. A hook member |46, having a slot |41 therein through which extends the pin |48, is connected lto the arm I 38. The outerl end of the member |46 is in a position to engage the pin |49, which extendsoutwardly from the ratchet wheel |34, so that when the ratchet wheel |34 is in initial position, with the spring |35 in extended position, the arm |38 with the contact |43 will be held separated' from the contact |44, as shown in Fig. 18.

A spring |50 normally holds the pawl |36 in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel |34 to prevent rotation thereof. When the pawl |36 is pivoted, the ratchetwheel |34 moves counter- .clockwise one notch, due to the action of the spring |35. This permits the spring |45 to pivot the arm |38 so that the contact |43 engages the contact |44. x

Wires |5| and |52 connect the contacts |43 and |44 in the motor circuit so that as soon contact is made the motor is started.

Mounted on the arm |39 is a pawl |53 which engages the teeth on the ratchet wheel |34 whenever the arm |39 is pivoted. A resilient arm |53, which may be a thin metal strip, is mounted on the cam shaft i0 which arm, after the cam shaft has made one rotation, s trikes the outer end of the arm |39 and rotates the ratchet wheel |33 in a clockwise direction one notch so that the arm |46 is again engaged by the pin |39 and the two contacts'are separated. If the pawl |36 is actuated more than' once,when the arm |54 and the cam shaft engages the outer end of the arm |39 to rotate the ratchet wheel against the action of the'spring, the pin will not engage the arm |46 and, consequently, contact |43 will remain against the contact |44 until the arm |39 has been pivoted a number of times equal to the number of times the pawl |35 was originally actuated. Although the,pawl |33 may be actuated manually, it is shown as being magnetically operated in the drawings. For this purpose the armature |55 may be resiliently connected to the terminal plate |55 by a resilient strip |5J which normally' tends to hold the armature |55 spaced from -the magnet |58. l

A coin-slot |59 is provided, with a switch |35 therein, which is connected with the terminals of the electro-magnet |58 and is connected in series 'with the circuit |3| which serves to energizethe magnet.

A source of electrical energy |62 supplies the current for the Whole device When a coin is deposited in the coin-slot I 59, the switch |33 is momentarily closed energizing the magnet to move the armature |55 thereagainst. As the armature is moved, the 'outer end thereof strikes thepin |63 on the pawl |33 and allows the ratchet wheel |34 to move one notch in the direction shown by the arrow,A thus permitting the arm |33 to pivot and bring contact |43 against contact ma.

A plurality of coins up to a number equal to the number of teeth on the ratchet wheel |34 may be inserted one after another. This causes the ratchet wheel |34 to make one rotation until the pin I49vengages the outer end of the member |46. Upon the insertion of the rst coin which moves the ratchet wheelA |34 one notch, the motor circuit is closed causing the machine to start operating.

`tations equal in number to the number oi coins dropped down the coin chute and the machine win play, without stopping, records equal in number to the number of coins deposited.

When thelast record has been played, the pin |43 will again engage the outer end of the member |46 and move the contact |43 away from the contact |44.

The present machine may be equipped to play records of various sizes, such as both l" and 12" records, by having some of the record carriers |63 sumciently large to hold l2" records thereon and the rest being of the size to hold When carriers for both 10" and 12" records are employed, it is necessary that the distance from the center of the shaft 54 to the center of the carriers 41 and |63 be the same so that when `the carriers are swung to a position over the turntable 8 the center aperture in the record will be'directly above the center of the turntable 3, and the means for swinging the record carriers may operate both the l0 and 12" record carriers without any alteration.

As the grooved playing Surface in a 12" record extends further from the center than does the groove in a l0" record, it is necessary to provide means for moving the pick-up I9 to a position to engage the outer end of the groove in a. 12" record when one oi them is selected. To accomplish this, a U-shaped member |64, as shown in Fig. 2L, is pivotally mounted on a stud shaft |65 which is positioned adjacent the tone arm support |09 so that the opposite ends |66 oi the member |54 extend horizontally.

A latch |61 is provided adjacent the outer end of the upper arm |66 for engaging the resilient strip H0 attached to the underside of the tone arm |03. Resilient means, such as a spring |68, is connected to the lower arm |66 and to the top of the frame so as to resiliently hold the AU-shaped member |64 in its inner position so that the needie in the pick-up will be in position to play a 10" record. In order to limit the inward movement oi' the member |64, a stop |69 is provided.

Extending inwardly from thelower arm |66 is an arm |13 which engages one end of a bell crank lever |1| pivotally mounted at' |12. v'At the opposite end ofy the bell crank lever is an 'upwardly extending portion |13 which extends up high enough to engage theuppermost 12 record carrier. A

A series of adjustable screws |14 or other n similar means may be inserted in the upwardly extending portion |13 of the bell crank lever |1| and are positioned to engage the 12" record carriers when they are swung out overl the turntable l.' When this is done, the periphery of the l2" record carrier engages one of the screws |14 and pivots the bell-crank lever I 1| to movethe arm |16 and thereby the U-shaped member |64 and the tone arm III which pivots about the shaft Ill. Thereafter when the turntable 3 picks up the 12" record from the record carrier and raises it upwardly, it strikes the needle in the pick-up l! and disengages the resilient strip from the latch |61 and permits the record to be played. .As soon as the record has been played .and the 12" record carrier swung back to inoperative position, the resilient member |63 returns the tone` arm |66 and sound pick-up I3 to normal position ready to play a l0 "'record. This whole arrangement is automatic and no adjustment is necessary in order to play either a l0" -or 12" record. v

- If desired, a machine embodying the present invention may be equipped with remote control electro-magnets |15 are positioned adjacent the rods 32. Each of these magnets is electrically connected to a remote control switch mechanism (not shown) which may be of a form similar to the selector mechanism of the regular machine with the buttons arranged in a semi-circle, one

:for each record carrier, so that as each button on the switch is pressed inwardly, it will energize the corresponding electro-magnet |15. When this is done, the magnet operated will attract its corresponding ear member |16 flxedly connected to the rods 32, one being provided for each magnet just outwardly thereof.

Iron, steel or other suitable material aiected by a magnet may be used for the ear members |16. By this means, one or any plurality of rods 32 may bemoved inwardly to stop the rotation of the selector shaft I1 to play the records desired, and this may be done at a distance from the machine.

In order to return all the rods 32 to normal position before selecting records by the remote control mechanism, a semi-circular collar |11 is positioned over the rods 32 and is slidable thereon. Coil springs or other resilient means |18 are positioned between the collar. |11 and the inner ends of the ear members |16 so that when the collar |11 is moved outwardly. the action of the springs against the ears will cause all the rods 32 to be returned to normal inoperative position. Pins |19 extend through the collar' |11 which is slidable thereon and serve to guide the collar in its movement.

'A mastercontrol, shown in Fig. 24, yis provided to return all the rods to normal inoperative position. This comprises an electro-magneti,

records, and the coin inserted in the coin slot so as to start the machine operating, all at a point remote from the machine.

Obviously, any number of remote controls may be `usedby having the switch of each one electrically connected to magnets |16 and |60.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modications thereof may be made `without departing from the spiritand scope of `the present invention, and, therefore, I wish to be limited only by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

. 1. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of record carriers, aturntable, means for simultaneously selecting a-plurality of records to `be played, meansgoverned b y saidv selecting means for successively moving said record carriers with the records selected to a position above said turntable,-mea .ns for raising said turntable to pickup the records on said record carriers to play the same, means for rotating said turntable, and means for actuating said foregoing means.

2. In an automatic phonograph, a. plurality of record carriers, a turntable, a sound pick-up, means for causing the records on said record carriers normally to be played in rotation, means for simultaneously selecting a plurality of records to be played, means governed in part by said select.- y

ing means for successively moving the selected record carriers to a position above said turntable,

means for raising said turntable to pick-up the records on said record carriers to move them into playing engagement with said sound pick-up, means for rotating said turntable, automatically -operating means for returning said sound Apick-up to original position, and means for controlling the operation of said foregoing means.

3. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of I record carriers, a turntable, means for simuln record carriers, a turntable, means for selecting the records to be played, means governed in Ipart 4by said selecting means for successively7 moving said record carriers withthe records selected to a position above said turntable, a cam shaft having a plurality of cams thereon, one of said cams operating said means for moving said record carriers and another of said cams operating said means for raising and lowering said turntable, means for rotating said cam shaft, clutch mechanism 'for disengaging said cam shaft from said means for rotating the same, and an automatically operating .means for actuating said clutch mechanism.

5. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of record carriers, aV turntable, a sound pick-up, means for successively moving said record carriers holdingthe records selected to a position above said turntable, said means including a rotatable selector shaft, means for selecting at will a plurahty of records to be played successively, said selecting means governing the selector shaft,

means for rotating said turntable, means for raising said turntable to pick up one of the records on said record carriers and move it into playing engagement with the said sound pick-up, arcani shaft having a plurality of cams thereon, oneof rotating said cam shaft.

a plurality of records to be played successively,l

said selecting means governing said selector shaft, means for rotating said turntable, means for raising said turntable to pick up one of, the records on said record carriers and move it into playing engagement with the said sound pick-up, a cam shaft having a plurality of cams thereon, one of said cams controlling the actuation of said selector shaft, another of said'cams controlling the means for moving said record carriers, and a third of said cams controlling the operation of the means for raising said turntable, a motor for rotating said cam shaft, clutch mechanism for operf atively connecting said motor and said cam shaft, and automatically acting means for throwing out said clutch vmechanism to prevent further rotation of said cam shaft when said turntable reaches its upper position and throwing in said clutch mechanism after the record has been played to return the machine to initial position.

7. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of superposed, laterally-swinging record carriers, a

turntable, means pivoted to swing horizontally and-adjustable to a plurality of elevations to engage each of said record carriers, and means for moving said last means about its pivot to move a record carrier to a position above the turntable.

8. Inan automatic phonograph, a plurality of superposed record carriers pivoted on a common axis to swing horizontally, a turntable, automatically operable means disposed alongside the carriers and having a combined vertical and lateral movement and adjustable to a plurality of elevations toengage one or another of said record carriers, and automatically operable means for moving said last means laterally about the recordcarrier axis to move a record carrier to a position above the turntable. a

9. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of plvotally mounted, substantially vertically aligned record. carriers, means for supporting said carriersl against axial displacement, a turntable, means disposed alongside the pivoted ends of the carriers and adjustable vertically to .a plurality of elevations to engage with one or another of said carriers, and automatic means for actuating said last-named means to swing a record carrier toa position above the turntable. f

l0. In an automatic phonograph, a4 plurality of pivotally mounted, substantially vertically aligned record carriers, a turntable, vertically adjustable means hinged to swing about the pivotal axis of the carriers and adjustable to a plurality of elevations to engage each of said record carriers, automatically operable means for moving said last means to swing a record carrier to a position above the turntable, and spring meansv for returning each record carrier to normal position.

l1. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality o pivotally mounted, substantially vertically aligned record carriers, a turntable, vertically adjustabie meansv adjustable to a plurality of positions to engage each of said record carriers, automatically operable means for moving said vlast means to swing a record carrierto a position above the turntable, automatic means for returning said record carrier to normal position, and means for supporting said carriers against vertical displacement and for limiting the pivotal movement of said record c'arriers in each direction. v

12. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a substantially vertical shaft, a plurality of record carriers loosely mounted on'said shaft to swing about the same, means for holding thef carriers against individual and bodily displacement axially 4of the shaft, adjustable 'selective means slidable along said shaft to a plurality of positions forengagin'g each of said record carriers to select the record to be played, and means for rotating said selective means to swing the record carrier selected to a position above the turntable.

13. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a substantially vertical shaft, a plurality of record carriers loosely mounted on said shaft, adjustable selective means slidable along said shaft to a plurality of positions for engaging each of said record carriers to select the record to be played, means for rotating said selective means to swing the record carrier selected to a position above the turntable, a cam shaft having'a plurality of cams thereon, one of said cams controlling said adjustable selective means and another of said cams for l'rotating the same.

14. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a substantially verticallyA mounted casing having slots therein, a shaft extendinglongitudinally through said casing, a plurality of record carriers each loosely mounted on said shaft having` a portion'extending through and supported in the `slots in said casing, vertically adjustable selecv tive means disposed alongside the casing and movable to a plurality-of positions for engaging each of said vrecord carriers to select the record to be played, and means for `moving said selective means to swing the record carrier selected to a position above the turntable.

15. In an automatic phonograph, a turntable, a plurality of superposed, laterally-movable record carriers, laterally-shiftable means adjustable vertically to a plurality of positions to engage each of said record carriers to selectively'move them to an operative position over the turntable, means for effecting the selection of records to be played, rotatable means operatively associated with and governed by said selection means for controlling the selective position and the lateral movement of said shiftable means, and means for 'rotating' said rotatable means.

16. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of .superposed, movable record carriers pivoted on a common axis for selective movement to and from an' operative playing position, movable means adjustable to a plurality of elevations in line with and adapted to engage one or another of said record carriers to move them toplaying position,` cam means for controlling the position of said movable means to a given elevation, and vmeans for rotating said cam means.

17. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality i of individually selectable record carriers movable into and out of a record-playing position, and means for controlling the selection of the record carriers4 to playing position comprising a selected shaft, means controlled by said shaft for actuating said carriers, means for rotating said shaft including a gear loosely mounted on said shaft, means connecting said shaft with said-gear to rotate said shaft when said gear is rotated in one direction, and means for rotating said gear a.

definite distance in a direction to rotate said shaft. 18. In an automatic phonograph, a shaft 'for controlling the selection of records,r means for rotating said shaft comprising a gear loosely mounted on vsaid shaft, means connecting said shaft with said gear to rotatesaid shaft when said gear is rotated in one direction, a segment for rotating said gear avdeiinite distance in a direction to rotate said shaft, a member'moyable a definite distance, and resilient meansconnecting said-"movable member to said segment. to move the latter to rotate said shaft.

19. lIn an automatic phonograph, a shaft for controlling the selection of records, means for rotating saidd shaft comprising a gear loosely 'mounted on said shaft, -means connecting ,said

shaft with said gear to rotate said shaft when said gear is rotated in one direction, a segment -for rotating said geara definite distance in a direction 'to rotate said shaft, a movable frame mem- 1 for rotating said gear a definite distance in a di-` rection to rotate-said shaft, adjustable means for stopping the rotation of said shaft at certain points, a movable frame member, means for mov ingsaid frame member. a definitedistance, and resilient means connecting said segment to said movable frame whereby the frame member will move its full distance even if the movement of the shaft and therebythe segment is stopped before moving its full distance.

21. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of selective record carriers, a turntable, means for controlling the selection of records in operative relation with the turntable comprising a selector shaft, means for rotating said shaft,.means governed by said shaft for actuating the record carriers to a selective position, and means for stopping the rotation of said shaft at certain points corresponding tothe records selected consisting of means rotatable with the .selector shaft and individual, adjustable annularly arranged means corresponding in number to the. record-carriers for simultaneously selecting at will a plurality of records to be played and movable to a position in y the path of said means rotatable with said shaft.

22. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of selective record carriers, a turntable, means for controlling the selection of records in operative relation with the turn table comprising a selector shaft, means for rotating said shaft, means governed by saidshaft for actuating the record carriers .to a selective position, means ffor stopping the rotation of said shaft at certain points corresponding to the records selected, and a plurality of members disposed radially about the axis of the selector shaft and each movable to a position in the path of said means for stopping the rotation of said shaft.

23. In an automatic phonograph, a plurality of selective record carriers, a turntable, means for controlling the selection of records in operative relation withthe turntable .comprising a selector shaft, means for rotating said shaft, means governed by said shaft for actuating the record carriers to a selective position,rmeans for stopping the rotation of said shaft at certain points corresponding to the records selected, a plurality of members disposed radially about the axis of the selector shaft and each movable to a position in the' path of said means for stoppingitherotation of said shaft, and automatically acting means for returning' each of said members to normal position after 'it has engaged `said means rotatable withsaid shaft. 24. In an automatic phonograph, a shaft fo Icontrolling the selection of records, means. for

rotating said shaft, means for stopping the rotation of said shaft at certain points j comprising means rotatable with said shaft and slidable therealong having a portion projecting therefrom, a plurality of stop members each movable to a position -in the path of said projecting por- 

